Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Refund Guide

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee paid by individuals applying for majority of UK visa applications. It grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. However, under certain circumstances, applicants may be eligible for a full or partial refund of the IHS. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of refund eligibility, processes and special schemes for health and care workers.

Refunds of the IHS are categorised into full refunds and partial refunds, depending on the circumstances of the visa application.

1. Visa Application Refusal:
   • Refund is issued once all appeal rights are exhausted.
2. Voided or Rejected Applications:
   • Refunds are processed when the applicant is notified of the voiding or rejection.
3. Withdrawal of Application:
   • If the applicant withdraws their application before a decision is made.
4. Duplicate Payment:
   • If the IHS is paid twice for the same visa application.

1. Shorter Immigration Permission:
   • If the applicant is granted a shorter period than applied for.
2. Refusal of Dependents:
   • A dependent (or dependents) is refused where the applications are made using a single IHS reference number.
3. Overlapping Immigration Permission:
   • The applicant is applying to extend or switch their immigration permission from within the UK and has paid the Immigration Health Surcharge twice covering the same period.
4. Overpayment of IHS:
   • If the applicant has paid more IHS than required.

Refunds are processed through the IHS portal and issued to the bank account used for the initial payment. Key steps include:

1. Select the Reason for Refund:
   • Caseworkers must choose the appropriate reason (e.g., “Visa refused,” “Visa withdrawn”) from a drop-down list.
2. Adjust Application Details:
   • For partial refunds, caseworkers may need to adjust the length of immigration permission or remove a dependent.
3. Calculate Refund Amount:
   • The IHS portal automatically calculates the refund based on the exchange rate at the time of payment.
4. Issue Refund:
   • Once confirmed, the refund is processed through the portal.

Health and care workers may be eligible for refunds under specific schemes. The eligibility and process depend on the type of visa and role.

• You must hold a Tier 2 (General) visa.
• Work in an eligible medical profession (e.g., doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc.).

What You will Get

• Full Refund: If the IHS was paid on or after 31 March 2020.
• Partial Refund: If the IHS was paid before 31 March 2020. You will be refunded for any periods of 6 months that your IHS payment covered after this date.
• The money will be paid to the account or card you used to pay the IHS.

How to Apply

• Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with:
  • Your IHS reference number and those of any dependants.
  • The date you paid the IHS.
  • Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) number.
  • Your employer’s name.

Dependants

• Eligible dependants can also receive a refund.

• You must have paid the IHS.
• Work for an eligible organisation (e.g., NHS, Care Quality Commission).
• Have worked in your role for at least six months, averaging at least 16 hours per week.

What You will Get

• Refunds are issued for six-month periods starting on or after 31 March 2020.
• You must apply separately for each six-month period.

How to Apply

• Apply online through the reimbursement scheme portal with:
  • Your 12-digit IHS number.
  • Your National Insurance number.
  • Your email address.
  • Your employer’s name.
  • Copies of your payslips for the six-month period.

The Immigration Health Surcharge refund process ensures fairness and transparency for applicants while maintaining the integrity of the immigration system. Whether an applicant is eligible for a full or partial refund depends on the specific circumstances of their visa application.

For health and care workers, special refund schemes provide additional opportunities to reclaim the IHS, recognising their vital contributions to the UK’s healthcare system. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application processes, applicants can ensure they receive any amounts they are entitled to.

By adhering to these guidelines, the Home Office ensures that the IHS refund process is both efficient and equitable, benefiting all parties involved.

With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].